Donald Trump – America’s Real Estate Tycoon

Donald Trump is a name synonymous with America’s success story and has been associated with a television personality, politician, author and real estate worldwide. In 2015, Forbes Magazine estimated his net worth at US$ 4 billion.

Donald John Trump, born on 14th June, 1946 in Queens, New York City is the child of Mary Anne and Fred Trump. He has four siblings, one of whom died in 1981. Trump did his education from Kew-Forest School in Queens and thereafter, from New York Military Academy. He did his graduation in Science (economics) from Fordham University in Bronx post which he was transferred to Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania.

Career Path – Real Estate

Donald J. Trump started his career at Elizabeth Trump and Son, his father’s real estate company which focused on rental housing in New York for the middle class. His first project was in college and involved the revitalization of the Swifton Village in Cincinnati, Ohio which he converted into a 1200 unit complex and sold for US$6.75 million.

At 25, he moved to Manhattan and started focusing on larger real estate projects which involved converting the bankrupt Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt and creation of the Trump Organization.

Post-1988, Trump acquired the Taj Mahal Casino which led to high amounts of debt. The Company was declared bankruptcy and was restructured by banks which led to its slow emergence from bankruptcy in October, 1991. This news was followed by the completion of the Trump World Tower (72 storey residential tower), Trump Place, Trump Tower (58 storey skyscraper in Manhattan), Trump International Hotel and Tower in Honolulu, Chicago, Toronto and Tampa.

In addition to the above, Trump even owns a large amount of prime real estate in Manhattan.

Career – Other Ventures

Besides real estate, Trump has established as a well known brand name on a number of products in various industries such as Trump Financial (mortgage firm), Trump Restaurants (located in Trump Tower), GoTrump (a travel website), Trump Sales and Leasing (residential sales), Donald Trump Fragrance, Trump Chocolate, Trump Golf, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection (menswear apparels and accessories), Trump Institute, Trump the Game (board game), Trump Books, Trump Ice, Trump Productions (television production company) and Donald Trump’s Real Estate Tycoon (business simulation game). He is also the most popular speakers and earns US$1.5 million for each one-hour presentation for The Learning Annex.

A Man with Various Interests

From being the brand representing a conglomerate and numerous products, Donald Trump also has varied interests which include stock market investments, sports (he was a financial advisor for Mike Tyson at a point of time), Golf (Trump owns and operates golf courses worldwide), beauty pageants (owns Miss Universe and Miss USA beauty pageants).

Mr.Trump is also featured in his own reality show “The Apprentice” where he gained utmost popularity for its trademark phrase “You’re Fired”!

He has also been a known fan of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and is also featured into the WWE Wall of Fame in Madison Square Garden.

Currently, Donald Trump has announced his candidacy for running for presidentship in the 2016 elections.